X-UMED

Lisa Hyndman & Samantha Harrison

5.0 (4)
SOCIETY & CULTURE

X-UMED is a weekly podcast focusing on dark history, mythology and folklore.

1D AGO

Lake Lanier

The story of Lake Lanier is a haunting tale of engineered landscapes, racial injustice, and the submerged history of a community. It delves into the dark past of Forsyth County, Georgia, and the tragic events that led to the creation of the lake. The impact of these events is still felt today, with the lake being the site of numerous drownings and holding the submerged remnants of a once-thriving community. The conversation delves into the eerie and haunting history of Lake Lanier, exploring the submerged town, the mysterious deaths, and the folklore surrounding the lake. It also touches on the impact of history and the unresolved tension that lingers in the area. Takeaways Engineered landscapes hold a dark historyRacial injustice led to the expulsion of a communityLake Lanier is a site of tragedy and submerged history Submerged town and gravesFolklore and hauntingImpact of history and unresolved tension Chapters 00:00 The Curse of Lake Lanier36:27 The Submerged Town and Graves47:24 Impact of History and Unresolved Tension Sources- Gwinnett County Government – History of Lake Lanier https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/about/fast-facts/lake-lanierU.S. Army Corps of Engineers / Buford Dam history https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buford_DamWikipedia – Lake Lanier (history, construction, submerged towns) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_LanierAtlanta History Center – Forsyth 1912: The Forced Removal of Black Residents https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/blog/forsyth-1912-examining-the-displacement-of-the-countys-black-residents/Teen Vogue – The History of the Black Town Beneath Lake Lanier https://www.teenvogue.com/story/lake-lanier-deaths-history-black-townAll That's Interesting – The Deadly History of Lake Lanier https://allthatsinteresting.com/lake-lanier-deathsThe Environmental Blog – Why Lake Lanier Is So Dangerous https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2025/10/why-lake-lanier-is-so-dangerous/AtlantaFi – Unofficial History of Lake Lanier https://atlantafi.com/an-unofficial-history-of-lake-lanier

37 min
MAR 8

The Amber Room

summary Explore the fascinating history, mysterious disappearance, and numerous theories surrounding the legendary Amber Room, a priceless artifact stolen during World War II and its ongoing quest for discovery. SOURCES Gemological Institute of America (Gems & Gemology) — “The History and Reconstruction of the Amber Room” (Russell Shor, 2018). https://www.gia.edu/doc/GG-WN18-Shor.pdf HISTORY.com — “WWII Mystery: What Happened to Russia’s Amber Room?” (June 16, 2025). https://www.history.com/articles/amber-room-mystery Smithsonian Magazine — “A Brief History of the Amber Room” (July 31, 2007). https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/a-brief-history-of-the-amber-room-160940121/ The Art Newspaper — “Forty-five years later and they’re still hunting for the legendary Amber Room” (Jan 1, 1992). https://www.theartnewspaper.com/1992/01/01/forty-five-years-later-and-theyre-still-hunting-for-the-legendary-amber-room Atlas Obscura — “Russia’s Amber Room Found Fans in Tsars and Nazis. Then it disappeared.” (Feb 14, 2024). https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/amber-room-mystery-russia-nazis The Guardian (Reuters) — “Nazi shipwreck found off Poland may solve Amber Room mystery” (Oct 1, 2020). https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/01/nazi-shipwreck-found-off-poland-may-solve-amber-room-mystery Tsarskoe Selo State Museum (tzar.ru) — News note on Amber Room reopening date / reconstruction length (May 31, 2023). https://www.tzar.ru/en/news/1686062080

43 min
MAR 1

The Bell Witch

summary Explore the chilling story of the Bell Witch, its historical context, and its impact on folklore and modern culture. Join us as we delve into the legend, its possible origins, and why it continues to fascinate today. Sources- Tennessee State Library & Archives https://sos.tn.gov/tsla Bell Witch Cave Official Historical Site https://www.bellwitchcave.com Prairie Ghosts – Bell Witch Case Summary https://www.prairieghosts.com/bell.html Adams Tennessee Historical Materials https://www.adamstennessee.net American Folklore Society https://www.afsnet.org Monahan, Brent. The Bell Witch: An American Haunting Price, Charles Edwin. The Infamous Bell Witch of Tennessee Norman, Michael & Scott, Beth. Haunted America Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits Ingram, M. V. An Authenticated History of the Famous Bell Witch (1894) Project Gutenberg (Free Full Text): https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/31972 Ingram, M. V. Bell Witch: The Full Account (1894 original printing) Bell, Richard Williams (attributed manuscript) “Our Family Troubles” — Included within Ingram’s 1894 publication

42 min
FEB 22

The Highgate Vampire

Summary The conversation explores the legend of the Highgate Vampire, a modern vampire myth that emerged in the 1960s in London. The hosts discuss the eerie setting of Highgate Cemetery, its history, and the various ghost stories associated with it. They delve into the vampire sightings that sparked public panic, the rivalry between two eccentric figures, David Ferent and Shawn Manchester, who claimed to be vampire hunters, and the ensuing chaos that followed. The discussion reflects on the absurdity of the situation, the impact of media sensationalism, and the legacy of the Highgate Vampire legend. Sources- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JPuhT15OwI https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/highgate-cemetery https://davidfarrantobituary.blogspot.com/ https://darkfrights.com/stories/highgate-cemetery- legends-lores-and-the-haunting-of-the-highgate-vampire- by-kathleen-mccluskey/ https://www.grunge.com/402692/the-bizarre-true-story-of-the-highgate-vampire-feud/ https://www.vice.com/en/article/highgate-vampire-history-sean-manchester/ https://www.mylondon.news/news/north-london-news/london-vampire-hunt-cemetery-magician-15825289 https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/day-3-vampires-magic-duels-and-headless-bodies

43 min
FEB 15

Robert the Doll

Keywords haunted objects, Robert the Doll, paranormal, ghost stories, Key West, haunted doll, folklore, supernatural, voodoo, tulpas Summary This conversation delves into the eerie tale of Robert the Doll, a haunted object with a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. The hosts explore Robert's origins, his influence on his owner Gene, and the strange occurrences surrounding the doll throughout the years. They discuss the various experiences of visitors to Robert's museum exhibit, the insights of a medium regarding the doll's multiple spirits, and the concept of tulpas in relation to Robert's haunting. The episode concludes with reflections on the nature of belief in the supernatural and the consequences of disrespecting haunted objects. Takeaways There are haunted houses, places, and objects. Robert the Doll was gifted to Gene Otto on his fifth birthday. Gene's obsession with Robert led to strange occurrences. Robert was believed to have a mind of his own. Gene's adult life was influenced by his childhood doll. Robert was kept in the attic for years before being rediscovered. Visitors to Robert's exhibit must follow strict rules. Many people have experienced bad luck after disrespecting Robert. The medium believes Robert is a conduit for multiple spirits. The concept of tulpas suggests that collective belief can create entities. Titles The Haunting of Robert the Doll Unraveling the Mystery of Robert the Doll Sound bites "This is Robert the doll." "Robert did it." "I don't want this doll!" Sources- Fort East Martello Museum / Key West Art & Historical Society https://www.kwahs.org/museums/fort-east-martello-museum/ Key West Art & Historical Society (Main Site) https://www.kwahs.org/ Key West Citizen (Local Newspaper) https://www.keysnews.com/ Florida Memory — State Archives of Florida https://www.floridamemory.com/ Florida Keys History & Discovery Center https://www.keysdiscovery.com/ Monroe County Public Library — Florida Keys https://www.keyslibraries.org/ Florida Paranormal Research Society https://www.floridaparanormal.org/ Society for Psychical Research https://www.spr.ac.uk/ Freud Museum London https://www.freud.org.uk/

46 min
FEB 7

The Tower of London

🏰 X-UMED Podcast — The Tower of LondonDark History | Power | Execution | Ghost Lore | Royal Secrets This week, Sam and Lisa descend into one of the most infamous structures in human history — the Tower of London. Built as a symbol of domination after the Norman Conquest, the Tower evolved into a royal residence, prison, execution site, propaganda symbol, zoo, and modern museum. From political prisoners and Tudor executions… to ghost sightings, cursed ravens, and a crown jewel heist that ended in a pardon… this fortress may be the ultimate example of fear used as power. If you think the Tower was just a castle — think again. SOURCES Historic UK Historical Royal Places History Channel UNESCO Wikipedia Studio Abroad National Geographic Guide London

57 min
FEB 1

Fairy Folklore

Keywords cryptids, fairies, Irish folklore, changelings, Tuatha Dé Danann, fairy traps, supernatural, alien connections, fairy society, folklore history Summary In this conversation, Lisa and Samantha explore the fascinating world of cryptids and fairies, focusing particularly on Irish folklore. They discuss the seriousness with which the Irish regard their mythical creatures, the characteristics of fairies, and the various locations associated with them. The conversation delves into the dangers of fairy traps, the concept of changelings, and the historical significance of the Tuatha Dé Danann. They also touch on the connections between fairies and aliens, the Society for the Investigation of Fairies, and conclude with thoughts on the ongoing belief in these supernatural beings. Takeaways Irish folklore takes fairies very seriously. Walt Disney was a member of a fairy society. Fairy forts are respected and protected in Ireland. Folklore helps preserve ancient structures. Entering a fairy ring can lead to invisibility. Fairies can overtake your home if disrespected. Changelings are a significant part of fairy lore. The Tuatha Dé Danann are linked to ancient Irish history. Fairies and aliens share intriguing connections. The Society for the Investigation of Fairies still exists. Titles Exploring the World of Cryptids and Fairies The Seriousness of Irish Fairy Lore Sound bites "Clap your hands if you believe in fairies." "Fairy forts need to be respected." "They'll let you go but you have to understand." Chapters 00:00 The Seriousness of Cryptids and Fairies 03:10 Exploring the Nature of Fairies 07:41 Fairy Realms and Interdimensionality 10:37 Respecting Fairy Forts and Folklore 15:31 The Darker Side of Fairy Lore 25:00 Changelings and Their Mysteries 28:48 The Tragic Tale of Bridget Cleary 30:49 Fairy Lore as History 31:15 The Mysterious Mounds of Ireland 34:06 The Tuatha-Dedana: Ancient Tribe or Aliens? 38:54 Merlin and the Druids: Magic and History 43:24 Fairies: Myth or Reality? 47:32 The Society for the Investigation of Fairies 49:44 The Hill of Tara: A Fairy Hotspot 51:50 Respecting Fairy Lore and Beliefs 56:26 The Coexistence of Myths and Reality Sources- https://celtic.mythologyworldwide.com/the-tuatha-de-danann-keepers-of-the-four-treasures/ https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/swapping-babies-disturbing-faerie-changeling-phenomenon-007261 https://www.wildernessireland.com/blog/irish-folklore-fairies/ https://mythologyworldwide.com/the-hidden-world-of-fairies-folklore-mythology-and-the-power-of-belief/ https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/search/?q=fairy+rings https://believingthebizarre.com/what-is-a-changeling/ https://secretireland.ie/the-murder-of-bridget-cleary-irelands-last-witch-and-the-fire-of-superstition/

44 min
JAN 11

Dark History of the Ouija Board

Summary This episode delves into the dark history of the Ouija board, exploring its origins, the spiritual movement that popularized it, and the infamous Fox Sisters. It discusses the board's rise to fame, the eerie predictions and murders associated with its use, and the demon Zozo that is said to haunt it. The conversation also touches on skepticism regarding the board's effectiveness and the scientific explanations behind its operation, culminating in the cultural impact of the film 'The Exorcist' and the subsequent fear surrounding Ouija boards. SourcesSmithsonian Magazine – History of the Ouija Board https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-strange-and-mysterious-history-of-the-ouija-board-5860627/ Library of Congress – Spiritualism in America (19th century origins) https://www.loc.gov/collections/spiritualist-pamphlets/articles-and-essays/spiritualism/ American Psychological Association – Ideomotor Effect explanation https://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/03/ideomotor Britannica – Ouija Board overview and history https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ouija-board Museum of Talking Boards (historical archive of spirit boards) https://www.museumoftalkingboards.com/ The Atlantic – The Cultural History of the Ouija Board https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/10/the-ouija-board-and-the-science-of-the-ideomotor-effect/280930/ History.com Editors – Spiritualism Movement in America https://www.history.com/topics/religion/spiritualism Scientific American – Why Ouija Boards Seem to Work Brandon R. Schrand, Spirits of the Past: Ouija Boards and the Rise of American Spiritualism Jeffrey Sconce, Haunted Media: Electronic Presence from Telegraphy to Television Mitch Horowitz, Occult America Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World (ideomotor + psychology angle)

29 min

5

out of 5

4 Ratings

X-UMED is a weekly podcast focusing on dark history, mythology and folklore.

Creator

Lisa Hyndman & Samantha Harrison
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

30
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2025 Lisa Hyndman & Samantha Harrison
Show Website

X-UMED